Dale Frue Stitzel

Dale Frue Stitzel, 98, of Carlisle, PA, passed away on Saturday, November 22, 2025, He was born on January 23, 1927, at home on a small farm in Blain to the late Grover C. and Flora E. (Hess) Stitzel, the fourth of 6 children born.

Dale worked for C.H. Maslands as a carpet weaver for over 10 plus years, M & Z Carpet as a carpet installer for 18 plus years, fraternal order of Eagles as a bartender, and was recently self employed as a carpet installer until he was almost 80 years old. He was a member of numerous clubs such as, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Post 1299 for over 60 years, President in 1975, VFW, New Bloomfield, AMVETS, Minnequa Club, Shippensburg, Elks Lodge, Frederick, MD, American Legion, Shippensburg, and Honor Guard for VFW, Post 7463, New Bloomfield. He was also a life member of the Carlisle Club. Dale enjoyed volunteering at the Fraternal Order of Eagles in the Buddy League for 4 years and was an Assistant Scout Master in Hickorytown.

Dale and Shirley enjoyed traveling, including more than 10 cruises and several winters in Florida.

Surviving is his loving companion, Shirley Smith of over 50 years; four children, Dale Stitzel, Jr., (Sheri), Michael Stitzel, Gary Stitzel, Sr., and Kathy Stitzel-Rogers; grandchildren, Gary Stitzel, Jr., and Charles (Tasha) Bitner III; Christy (Jason) Hershey; four great grandchildren, Gabriel, McKenna, Max Stitzel and Juliana Hershey; several nieces and nephews; and step children, Merle (Sharon), Debra (Denny), Maclay, Tammy (Walt) Earnest, and Karen Smith. Also surviving is one sister-in-law, Mrs. Helen Stitzel and his loving niece, Kim Stitzel.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mary and Alta; brothers, Phares, Clark and Ellsworth; Shirley’s son, Steve Smith; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Funeral Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. A celebration of life and gathering of friends will be held Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM in the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Post 1299, 26 E. High Street, Carlisle, PA 17013 and a ritual ceremony will begin at 2:00 PM.

Arrangements are being handled by Hollinger Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Mt. Holly Springs. Burial will be held in Cumberland Valley Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Jimmy Durante Childrens Fund, 26 E. High Street, Carlisle, PA 17013 or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements are being handled by Hollinger Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Mt. Holly Springs. Visit HollingerFuneralHome.com to offer condolences to the family.